Author: Khusoko

The Communication Authority of Kenya’s Board has suspended its Director-General, Ezra Chiloba.  The announcement was made in an internal memo signed off by CA Board Chair, Mary Mungai.   Ezra Chiloba’s suspension is a result of a significant breach of financial management protocols within the Communication Authority. According to the Board’s 9th Special Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Meeting held on August 8, 2023, Chiloba was suspended due to alleged mismanagement of the Staff Mortgage Scheme.  Why Ezra Chiloba was suspended Defaults amounting to Kes 28.9M for mortgages that were approved and granted without proper consideration of the contract term. Refinancing…

A recent report by the GSMA dubbed State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2023 underscores how mobile money has become a mainstream financial service. The report also highlights the remarkable growth and leadership of mobile money services in Kenya, particularly through the M-PESA platform, with the service recently being rolled out in Ethiopia. M-PESA went live in Ethiopia on August 16th and is expected to transform mobile money services, drive financial inclusion and revolutionise the digital landscape of one of Africa’s most populous countries. The country has had limited access to formal financial services, with a significant portion of its population…

Daily life very nearly came to a grinding halt in Kenya last month with millions of people unable to access the country’s more than 5,000 recently digitised, critical government services – from national health records to e-visa applications and electricity payments. The broadscale disruption served as a stark reminder of the singular challenge facing governments in Africa that are on their digital transformation journeys: securing critical infrastructure. Indeed, the number of cyberattacks reported in the country between July and September last year rose by 200 per cent in comparison to the previous quarter.  Microsoft’s latest Cyber Signals report places a spotlight on…

Safaricom Ethiopia has welcomed Wim Vanhelleputte as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2023. He succeeds Anwar Soussa, who served as CEO until July 31, 2023. Wim Vanhelleputte is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry across multiple markets in sub-Saharan Africa. His extensive leadership experience and deep industry knowledge are expected to drive Safaricom Ethiopia’s growth and expansion in the coming years. https://x.com/SafaricomET/status/1700169909802573948?s=20 Before joining Safaricom Ethiopia, Vanhelleputte held a significant role at MTN Group as the Operations Executive – Markets from August 2022. In this position, he was responsible for…

Avocados, look more than just a tasty ally; they are frequently regarded as a luxury in salads or a key component in opulent guacamole. It’s easy to understand why this creamy fruit, which is native to south-central Mexico, has experienced a sharp rise in popularity worldwide. The avocado is a “nutritional powerhouse,” deserving of that moniker because it is a powerhouse of nutrients and is well-known for its health benefits. Topical creams, serums, and exfoliants might come to mind when we think of beauty regimens. However, the source of healthy skin frequently starts from the inside, in the food we…

Google has announced the appointment of Alex Okosi as the new managing director for Africa.  Okosi, who previously served as the MD for YouTube in EMEA Emerging Markets, brings a wealth of experience in the media and technology industries to his new role. Meir Brand, Vice President of EMEA Emerging Markets at Google, praised Okosi’s leadership and understanding of African countries.  “Alex is a proven leader with a deep understanding of African countries and a passion for using technology to empower people and businesses,” he said. In his new role, Okosi will be responsible for overseeing Google’s operations in Africa. …